I’M VERY SORRY: Kirk Franklin’s ‘Poor In Uganda’ Tweet Lands Him In Hot Water

When Bishop T.D. Jakes used the phraseology “Kenya natives” to tout his Mega Care charity’s aid to Kenyans in a rant against the “Preachers of LA” cast, the backlash was swift, forcing the Dallas mega pastor to issue a formal apology.

Now, multi award-winning gospel recording artist Kirk Franklin is apologizing after upsetting some citizens of the Republic of Uganda by classifying them as “poor” in a tweet—one he says was intended to convey his disapproval of the kind of Westernized theology that heavily focuses on prosperity preaching.

Franklin’s original message posted to his official Twitter account Nov. 17 read, “If the gospel I sing and preach can’t help people in the Philippines, Haiti, or the poor in Uganda, then it’s not the gospel. Nite.”

Though simple and concise in its messaging, some took offense to the Fo Yo Soul records CEO’s focus on the region’s poverty, viewing it as an unfavorable characterization.

After realizing his words had been taken out of context, Franklin attempted to clear up any ambiguities about his original statements.

“If I offended my followers In Uganda by including them on my feelings about prosperity preaching, I deeply apologize,” tweeted Franklin on Monday, Nov. 18, the day after posting his controversy-inducing thoughts.